Lag screw and tension band wire arthrodesis of the scapulohumeral joint in a miniature bull calf. Issue 2 (12th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cypher, Elizabeth; van Amstel, Sarel; Lyons, Rachel; Anderson, David E
• Is Part Of: Veterinary record case reports. Volume 4:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2016-10-12
• Subjects: Cattle -- Surgery -- Orthopaedics -- Trauma -- Joint diseases; Veterinary medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636.08905
• DOI: 10.1136/vetreccr-2016-000361
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-6121

Abstract

Abstract : An eight‐month‐old miniature zebu bull calf, 50 kg, was presented for evaluation of a moderate (grade 4 out of 5) right forelimb lameness of eight weeks' duration. Clinical and radiographic findings revealed a marked degenerative osteoarthritis of the right scapulohumeral joint. Arthrodesis of the right scapulohumeral joint via placement of two transarticular cancellous bone screws in lag fashion and a dorsolateral figure‐of‐eight tension band wire was performed. Final angle of arthrodesis was 122°. Short‐term morbidity was minimal. The patient remained comfortable on the limb throughout the eight‐day hospitalisation. By discharge, the lameness had improved (grade 3 out of 5). Long‐term follow‐up at six months was considered good for breeding soundness, though a gait deficit was present in the affected limb. Lag screw and tension band wire arthrodesis of the scapulohumeral joint should be considered a viable less invasive option in small ruminants with terminal scapulohumeral joint disease.